Project Pegasus A 3-D Printed Superyacht?

Electric marine propulsion is not the future of recreational boating. However, electrification aboard boats can provide a more sustainable boating experience, and also a boating experience that’s different—and enhanced, in a couple of ways—compared to the current status quo of combustion-only power. We saw proof of this recently while running a Groupe Beneteau Jeanneau NC 37 powered by Volvo Penta’s diesel hybrid electric system. There’s little downside to combining the best aspects of electric motors and combustion engines, though cost is probably one factor. We’ll leave that aside for the moment, since we could not pry a dollar amount from either Volvo nor Beneteau. Both promised pricing soon.

The concept of 3D printing is not new when it comes to boat and yacht construction, but Project Pegasus — now listed for sale with Denison Yachting—is a bold vision of how the technology could be used to create an entire superyacht.

Several years ago , we reported about ways that builders worldwide were already embracing 3D printing for everything from boat molds to parts. We also noted that the IYRS School of Technology and Trades was teaching students the basics of 3D printing, setting up a future where ideas could become reality as the technology matured.

Electric steering offers many new advantages for boaters, not the least of which is eliminating the need for hydraulic fluid, which can create a mess and pollute waters if a steering hose, helm, actuator or other component springs a leak. In much the same way hydraulic steering provides easier steering than mechanical-cable systems, electric systems further reduce the effort needed to turn the steering wheel. It is fingertip-­easy; so easy that most systems enable special system programming to adjust the wheel resistance and lock-to-lock turning ratio to help prevent turns that are too sharp at speed.

It’s hard to imagine running at night or in a fog without radar, especially as waterways become increasingly crowded with boats and ships, as well as obstacles such as offshore wind farms, aquaculture operations and more. Radar is so important nowadays that we wouldn’t go boating without it, no matter what the visibility. And the latest crop of solid-state marine radars reinforces that conviction.

Not only do the newest systems offer higher definition and more information when it comes to target returns, they are easier to use and interpret. On top of that, radar scanners are more compact and streamlined, making them suitable for boats as small as 20 feet. Let’s look at some of the cool features you’ll find on the latest marine radars, including both dome and open-array systems.